Rosemary is a fantastic perennial plant that should be part of every garden. If you’re interested in adding one, here’s how to grow rosemary in Florida.
How to Grow Rosemary in Florida
You shouldn’t have any major problems while growing rosemary in FL. It’s highly tolerant of drought and likes a dry spell now and then. In Florida, where winter seasons are shorter and warmer the herb has a higher chance to survive than anywhere else.
In the northern part of Florida, you may need to protect the plant by bringing it indoors or using a cover. However, in the central and southern areas, you can rely on your rosemary to spring back to life every year.
Growing rosemary is particularly easy as it doesn’t have any special requirements. It can grow in a variety of environments and even in relatively poor soil. However, if you want your plant to thrive then there are a few things to keep in mind.
The first thing you should know is that rosemary is a sun-loving herb. It can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning and part shade in the afternoon for maximum growth. That said, the best place to grow rosemary in your house or yard is a spot that gets these conditions.
Second, rosemary herbs do not like to sit in water for too long. The soil you plant them in should be well-draining, whether in a pot, container, garden bed, or even in your yard
Perhaps the most important thing about growing rosemary is that it’s very difficult to get the seeds to germinate, let alone grow into a mature plant. You’re better off buying starters in local and reputable nurseries, or going the propagation route with a 4-inch cutting.
When Should I Plant Rosemary in Florida?
Rosemary will certainly thrive in the state of Florida, so much so that it will grow year-round and encounter very little trouble. One interesting and fun fact is that rosemary plants can turn into bushes and be trimmed into topiary landscapes!
The tough and resilient herb might be best known for its green-gray, needle-like leaves, but it does bloom when the conditions are right. In early spring you can expect purple lavender flowers to grow at the tips and add welcome color to your garden.
The plant also doesn’t like cold temperatures and will likely die if planted during winter. To get the best chance of success it’s recommended that you plant rosemary at the last frost date and when all dangers of frost have passed in your area.
There’s still a way to start your rosemary any time you want, and this involves sowing the seeds or planting the cuttings in a pot indoors. You’ll also have to meet its basic requirements, namely adequate sunlight and drainage.
Caring For Your Rosemary in Florida
These herbs thrive best in direct sunlight and where there are no tall trees or shrubs to cover their view. If you intend to put them in your yard or garden, make sure that it has enough space to grow and is spaced around two to three feet apart.
Barely cover the seeds and water them in. For cuttings and nursery plants you should place them in the same soil depth as they were in their original containers. You won’t need staking or support as the stems are rigid and can support growth.
When growing rosemary it’s better to err on the side of neglect rather than too much care. They won’t mind if you miss a watering schedule or two, especially once they reach maturity. Let the topsoil dry out completely before reaching for the can. Also, when watering you should distribute it evenly so the soil wouldn’t be soggy.
Rosemary thrives in humid and warm weather that ranges from somewhere between 55 to 80 degrees F. You won’t need to supplement with extra moisture in the air as the climate in Florida should be fine.
The perennial herb doesn’t care much for fertilizer, but it can benefit from it. Add compost at the time of planting to help it grow into a healthy plant. Afterward, add organic material now and then for supplementation.
Related Article: What Herbs Can Be Planted Together? (Companion Planting)